Serious Financial Deficit Hits Budapest Jewish Community

August 29, 1977

BUDAPEST (Aug. 28)

The Budapest Jewish community is faced with a serious financial deficit which could jeopardize its communal services. The community’s President, Imre Heber, told the community’s annual general assembly that the financial problems to be faced “are very serious”.

Heber said that while expenses have soared because of rising prices, the community’s income has remained unchanged. The community operates 30 synagogues, a kosher restaurant, a school, a communal center and a home for the aged.

Heber said that this infrastructure, “the largest in this part of the world,” is now being endangered by financial considerations. He called upon all community members to increase their contributions to the community fund. The President of the Orthodox community, Herman Fixler, who attended the meeting, launched a similar appeal. He said that Hungarian Jewry “will overcome all difficulties” and continue operating all its services.